alisa frederico | style director

Flats- my daytime staple

Flats are such a daytime staple for me. I love pairing them with just about anything from skirts and dresses to jeans and pants. Below, mixing a chunky knit sweater (showing a little peek of a bare shoulder) with silk joggers and patent lace ups feels unexpectedly dressy without trying too hard. I like the idea of combining all the textures and then the patent shoe giving that little extra punch.

I always advise an instant shoe update when the trend in toe shape changes. We seem to go through about a 4 year period on shape. I think one of the first signs to looking dated is off trend toe shapes or shaft heights on your footwear. Right now, we are still on a pointy toe shape. To me, flats are usually one of those spend less categories. (Unless its a timeless classic like a Chanel logo ballet. Below. This is a never dated staple.)

I spent so many years developing footwear that I know how many great brands there are offering good, real and synthetic materials as well as fabric options. Pictured below are a couple of my faves- (from L) Lace Up patent PU, $34 from F21, Slip on two tone, patent toe cap from Nine West $79 and then a pair of vintage, (Thanks Mom for saving!) real leather, lace up Nickels booties circa ’86.

Some girls say yay, some nay to a flat shoe. Common feedback ” I am too short for flats”. Janes, embrace your shortie short status. The truth of the matter is you’re still short no matter what. You can put on 5″ Loubs but then you just look silly strolling the street during the day dodging cracks in the sidewalks on those stilts. So try a flat but if you just aren’t there yet, get a killer pair of wedges or an appropriate daytime heel. My rule of thumb is 3″ heel, max for day. Hell, go crazy at night though! xx, AF